Aging Veteran Care
Trying to determine if an elderly loved one is having difficulty and needs some extra care is not easy thing to do. When it comes to aging veterans, it can even be more challenging because this person might have a great deal of pride and resist any attempts to provide them extra care at home.
However, it’s important to pay attention to the various signs that could very well indicate somebody needs extra assistance and support throughout the day. Here are several signs that an aging veteran needs some type of home care, even if he or she is unwilling to admit it at the moment.
Sign #1: He has fallen recently.
Some people have a tendency to think that one fall is no big deal. However, anyone over the age of 65 who falls while trying to do something considered ‘normal’ may be at risk of falling again.
A fall can lead to serious injuries that can ultimately lead to a decline in health and quality of life before long. If the elderly veteran has fallen, even just once, recently, it’s time to sit down and discuss having a home care aide to support them to avoid a repeat in the future.
Sign #2: He is more forgetful.
Whether the senior has dementia, including Alzheimer’s, or memory loss that is just associated with the natural process of aging, being more forgetful can be a serious issue for some seniors. This is especially true for those who are required to take a number of prescription medications.
It’s certainly possible for family members, friends, or others to call the senior on the phone or remind him when it’s time to take certain medications, but that’s not always practical.
Sign #3: He seems to be withdrawing.
When somebody begins withdrawing from life, including spending less time with friends, family, and others who are important to them, it’s often a sign of depression. The risk of depression may increase with various health issues. Somebody who is no longer able to take part in various activities they used to enjoy may be at an increased risk of depression.
By relying on a home care aide to stop by and visit with the senior on a daily basis, that can help engage the senior once again, reducing the risk of a deep depression and encouraging him to get back out in life.
If you see any of these signs, it’s a good idea to learn as much as possible about home care options and then discuss them with the senior and maybe other family members.
For more information and to learn about aging veterans care, contact Veteran’s Home Care at (888) 314-6075.
